try this: tools (get the taskbar back first though!!!!!!!!! <---that's without it for me)>internet options> tab settings (button that says settings under the tabs section) and in the last box it'll say something like "when ie wants to open a new window...open in a new window...open in tab in current window in new tab....or the current open tab. you want open tab in current window in new tab? or either the current open tab, w/e floats your boat